Melissa,

As to a formal study of such a thing, I have no idea. I am however certain
that that is an issue of concern. We are "experimenting" with it right now.

We have a show up in our main gallery that can be characterized as
intensely abstract. The artist insists on minimal or completely
non-existent explanation in the form of labels or signs, preferring that
visitors experience the work and take away whatever experience they have
without the formal overlay of artist/curatorial explanation.

As "interesting" and "challenging" as such a notion may be, it terrifies
the majority of visitors, who simply do not know what to think. Many only
take a few steps into the cavernous 70' x 70' space before turning around
in bewilderment. I do not know for certain that labels or signage would
really improve the understanding, but it would very likely increase visitor
comfort levels. The range of emotions this sort of daunting intellectual
exercize generates is intentional on the part of the artist, and
unfortunately not well suited to the casual enjoyer of art. Even just a
small piece of explanatory paper which they can hold as a security blanket
while viewing the exhibition would likely help.

If you were to engage in such a study, I think you would find a very high
correlation between the mere presence of explanatory or educational
materials and visitor psychological comfort. Increased understanding or
retention on the part of visitors is another matter all together.

Good luck.

Mark Janzen
Registrar/Collections Manager
Edwin A. Ulrich Museum of Art
Martin H. Bush Outdoor Sculpture Collection
Wichita State University
(316)978-5850


                                                                           
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My name is Melissa Lloyd and I am conducting some visitor studies over the
balance of aesthetics and educational materials in the gallery space and
have found a interesting bit---many of the people who are not using the
educational materials are giving very positive feed back on the fact that
the materials are in the gallery.  It made me wonder---are there any
studies out there about the symbolic aspect of educational materials being
present towards the openess and willingness to engage visitors of a museum?
That is to say can just the mere presence of materials whether used or not
provide a feeling of ease to less initiated visitors--utilized or not??

Just curious
Melissa Lloyd

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